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Research Group

Astronautics

James Web telescope in space with earth on the bottom right.

Our group covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research in space physics and spacecraft engineering.

Part of Engineering

About

Our members are active in both theoretical modelling and physical experimentation and are supported by a wide range of computational and experimental facilities.

Particular areas of expertise include:

  • space environment
  • remote sensing
  • spacecraft structures
  • space systems engineering
  • artificial intelligence, spacecraft autonomy and control


We have industry partnerships with:

And we have been sponsored by the:

We have also been a leading centre for the training of professional engineers in the worldwide space sector and associated industries since 1974.

Research highlights

Professor Hugh Lewis sitting on the front bench of a lecture theatre as he consults his laptop. A graphic of satellites orbiting Earth is projected on the screen behind him.

Sustainability at astronomical levels

Engineering
Environment, sustainability and clean growth
Space
A space research collaboration between the University and Astroscale UK Ltd has made considerable progress towards a safe and sustainable orbital environment.

Enhancing astronaut health and helping physiotherapists consult during COVID

Health and wellbeing
Space
Health researchers share their insights to support both astronauts in space and people on Earth.
Read more

People, projects and publications

People

Doctor Alexander Wittig

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Astrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics
  • Mission Design and Analysis

Connect with Alexander

Email: a.wittig@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Doctor Charlie Ryan

Associate Professor

Connect with Charlie

Email: c.n.ryan@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

Doctor Federico Romei

Enterprise Fellow

Connect with Federico

Email: federico.romei@soton.ac.uk

Address: B1, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Doctor Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence

Lecturer in Astronautics

Research interests

  • Hanna's research interests involve the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in-situ study of planets. With a focus on instrument and new technology development, she is currently leading a number of projects, including the development of a miniature wideband radiometer for the in-situ study of planetary atmospheres and also the miniaturization of a Raman Spectrometer for Jupiter’s moon Europa. Previously, she has worked on miniaturizing a variety of sensors for planetary exploration, including a wind sensor for Mars, a MEMS microseismometer and micromachined bolometer detector arrays for a thermal mapping spectrometer for a lunar mission. In particular, she was involved in designing, fabricating, delivering and operating two microscopes on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander 2007.
  • Hanna's research interests involve the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in-situ study of planets. With a focus on instrument and new technology development, she is currently leading a number of projects, including the development of a miniature wideband radiometer for the in-situ study of planetary atmospheres and also the miniaturization of a Raman Spectrometer for Jupiter’s moon Europa. Previously, she has worked on miniaturizing a variety of sensors for planetary exploration, including a wind sensor for Mars, a MEMS microseismometer and micromachined bolometer detector arrays for a thermal mapping spectrometer for a lunar mission. In particular, she was involved in designing, fabricating, delivering and operating two microscopes on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander 2007.

Connect with Hanna

Email: h.m.sykulska-lawrence@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

Professor Hugh Lewis

Professor of Astronautics

Research interests

  • Space debris
  • Space sustainability

Connect with Hugh

Email: h.g.lewis@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF (View in Google Maps)

ORCID
Twitter
My research falls into 3 main areas: space debris, near-Earth objects and remote sensing.
Professor Hugh Lewis
Professor of Astronautics
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